trtogether
canada
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Joined: 10/06/2004
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We are just getting set up to tow 4 down and are having trouble deciding on braking system Checking through the net most threads are about the car and not the braking system or problems installing system. We tried Even Brake and had nothing but problems and are now looking at SMI or Brake Buddy. What do you use and why do you like/dislike it?
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Larry & Linda
Lansing MI/????
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Joined: 05/07/2005
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I'm using the AirForce One from SMI.
I chose it because it uses the air brake system on the truck and is proportional.
Larry
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Rollincool
Always Rollin
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Joined: 08/10/2007
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We use the Brake Buddy and have had no problems over a year and a half now.
2008 Chevy Silverado 4x4 3500 RC/LB 6.0 
2007 Chevy GS Yellowstone 5290 6.0
2007 Chevy HHR Toad 2LT 2.4
1967 Chevy Camaro Pro Street 468 BBC 
The Most Fun Radio, on Radio - Tom Kent Radio Network
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Burp
St. George's Island, MD
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Joined: 04/07/2004
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We use the BrakeMaster. It depends on air pressure from the MH. If you have a DP then you just tap into the brake system. If you have a gasser like us, you have to install a compressor in the MH. When towing we have to install a pneumatic device between the floor and the pedal in the toad. Takes about 2 minutes. Initial installation can be a hassle but easy to use after that. It is proportional and you don't even think about it. There is a small red light on the dash of the MH to tell you when the brake pedal in the toad is pressed, that is all that is required to verify it is working. Cost is about the same as the portable devices but I trust it more.
2007 Winnebago Voyage 33V (Workhorse, W20)
2007 Ford Escape, Falcon 2, BrakeMaster
Me, the Wife  , Edgar And Gus 
Places we have camped in an RV
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Joined: 07/03/2005
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Ready Brake!
Proportional braking, 30 second connect-disconnect, nothing to lift into and out of the toad floor and less than $400.00.
I have used mine for 30,000 miles plus and it works great.
Jim
Jim, Sharon and Buddy the Yorkie
1999 Gulfstream Sun Voyager 31' ISB Cummins 210 uprated to 275
275 RV injectors
Trippe-Lite 1800w inverter 4-6v GC batteries
3- Kyocera 130w solar panels
1987 Suzuki Samurai tintop Toad w/VW 1.6 turbo diesel power
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Big Katuna
Deland, FL
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Joined: 12/27/2003
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Another satisfied Ready Brake user. I use the Ready Brute tow bar with the braking system built in. An aluminum and stainless steel self locking tow bar with brake for what other people pay for just the braking system, about $700. Also will work with anybodys baseplate so you aren't locked into a specific baseplate company. ;
My Kharma ran over my Dogma.
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offthewall
New Jersey
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Joined: 08/19/2007
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trtogether wrote:We are just getting set up to tow 4 down and are having trouble deciding on braking system Checking through the net most threads are about the car and not the braking system or problems installing system. We tried Even Brake and had nothing but problems and are now looking at SMI or Brake Buddy. What do you use and why do you like/dislike it?
I have the SMI Stay-N-Play Duo in my Jeep Wrangler. Fantastic. Simply flip the ON switch and you are ready to go. Uses vacuum to apply the brakes so it is not pushing against a dead pedal which can subject the toad to forces greater than it was designed for.
2008 Gulfstream B Touring Cruiser
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rogerswann
Rhode Island
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Joined: 01/25/2007
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US Gear here...
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Joined: 07/03/2005
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Offthewall,
Your last sentence reads like it must have come straight out of the SMI sales brochure (-:
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Two Jayhawks
lenexa ks
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Joined: 03/17/2003
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Big Katuna wrote:Another satisfied Ready Brake user. I use the Ready Brute tow bar with the braking system built in. An aluminum and stainless steel self locking tow bar with brake for what other people pay for just the braking system, about $700. Also will work with anybodys baseplate so you aren't locked into a specific baseplate company. ;
Me too.
2002 Safari Zanzibar
CAT C12 455/1550
Allison 4000
Saturn Vue w/ReadyBrake
FMCA# 390819
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